Food Package Leveling Elements for Dosing Device Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing food product packaging systems do not facilitate easy replacement and storage of dosing devices while minimizing the risk of product contamination, particularly for granular or powdered products like infant milk powder, and can be cumbersome for left-handed users.

Innovation Solution

The packaging incorporates two leveling elements that serve both support and leveling functions, allowing for easy placement and storage of dosing devices without contacting the food product, with features like positioning reliefs and an immobilization member to secure the device in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple spoon or metering device is used for dosing granular or powdered products, then the device is simple and easy to use, but the volume cannot be precisely controlled and the device cannot be easily replaced without contamination risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidvolume control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging opening is divided into multiple functional zones: a first zone for receiving the metering device and a second zone for leveling operations. This segmentation allows the metering device to be stored in a dedicated compartment while providing a separate area for the leveling element, enabling precise volume control without contaminating the food product during replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A leveling element is introduced as an intermediary component between the metering device and the food product. This leveling element allows precise volume control by providing a reference surface for leveling, while the metering device can be replaced without directly contacting the food product, thus preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the metering device is simply placed in the container after use, then replacement is easy, but the handle becomes contaminated with dirt that can contact the food product

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of replacementVSAvoidproduct contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is segmented into a first zone for metering device storage and a second zone for leveling operations. This spatial separation ensures that the metering device is stored away from the food product while providing a dedicated area for leveling, preventing contamination during the replacement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The leveling element serves as an intermediary that allows the metering device to be stored and replaced without direct contact with the food product. The leveling element provides the necessary reference surface for precise leveling while maintaining a clean boundary between the metering device and the food product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If leveling elements are placed on the left side of the packaging to facilitate right-handed use, then right-handed users benefit, but left-handed users find it inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use for right-handed usersVSAvoidsuitability for left-handed users
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging opening is divided into multiple zones that can accommodate leveling elements at different positions. This segmentation allows the packaging to be configured for right-handed use while still providing accessibility for left-handed users, enhancing versatility without compromising the primary user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2146904B1Package for food product taken out with a measuring device
Publication Date: 2011.07.06 COMPAGNIE GERVAIS DANONE SA
  • EP2146904B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2146904B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2146904B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A package for a food product sampled using a metering device, comprising a receptacle (2) having a wide top opening (24) and defined by a rim (25), a closure system (3) comprising a cover (31) that can be moved between an open position and a closed position, and a first levelling element (41) having a top face (41b) and a free edge (41a) situated in the space of the said opening. The package also comprises a second levelling element (42) spaced apart from the first and also having a top face (42b) and a free edge (42a), wherein the top faces (41b, 42b) of the first and second levelling elements (41, 42) each have a configuration and are mutually arranged in order to form two spaced-apart bearing zones substantially parallel to the plane of the opening for supporting the metering device.